ThomasNet Launches ThomasNet's Purchasing Tools(TM) in Partnership with Source One
Free tools improve purchasing process and make buyers'
and engineers' jobs easier
(New York, NY and Willow Grove, PA)-May 4, 2008-ThomasNet, the leading online industrial marketplace, today announced the availability of free purchasing tools for ThomasNet users through an exclusive partnership with Source One Management Services, LLC, a leading procurement service provider. Corporate, government and military buyers rely on ThomasNet to search for and purchase everything from printed circuit boards to laboratory equipment to machinery from over 607,000 suppliers.
ThomasNet's new capabilities, known as ThomasNet's Purchasing Tools(TM), give the more than 3 million monthly users of www.ThomasNet.com free access to Request for Information/Proposal/Quote (RFx) and Reverse Auction Tools, making it possible for buyers that do not have purchasing software to significantly increase the speed and efficiency of their purchasing processes. ThomasNet users can easily access the desktop tools at no charge, and begin incorporating them into their daily purchasing processes, without additional training or the need to support complex software systems. The tools are available to buyers who register through the MyThomas section of the ThomasNet site, which is also free to all users.
"These tools reduce the time buyers need to devote to each separate request and can improve purchasing efficiency by 30 percent or more," said Steven Belli, CEO of Source One.
Without these purchasing tools, sourcing can be a cumbersome process of sending out separate emails to each supplier, collecting replies through various Word or Excel documents, copying key variables into spreadsheets for analysis, and then double-checking data to ensure apples to apples comparisons. ThomasNet's Purchasing Tools streamline the entire process-allowing buyers to create and send Requests for Quotations, and review and analyze sellers' information in a pre-set format, all via a safe, secure and confidential online tool.
Specific functionality includes single or multiple line item listings; the ability to upload unlimited attachments including specs, drawings, documents and presentations; multi-currency support; and secure online storage of RFx events; along with the ability to copy and re-run events in the future.
"ThomasNet is an important and convenient resource for any industrial buyer or engineer who wants to locate the exact products and services they need. We're happy to add another level of efficiency to their purchasing experience with easy-to-use, task-oriented tools that they can depend on every day," said Pat Daloisio, ThomasNet's Director, Strategic Business Initiatives.
"ThomasNet understands their users' e-business needs and continually responds with numerous innovations. We are excited that they have selected Source One to enhance their critical procurement offerings," said Steven Belli, CEO of Source One.
About ThomasNetSM
ThomasNet (www.ThomasNet.com) is the leading online industrial marketplace and business-building site connecting buyers and sellers worldwide. Buyers from Fortune 500 companies, the government, the military and more depend on ThomasNet to search for and purchase the products and services they need. ThomasNet provides access to over 607,000 industrial companies, indexed by 70,000 product and service categories, and featuring over 20 million CAD drawings that help buyers find products to meet their specifications. Industrial manufacturers and service companies are successfully using ThomasNet to grow their businesses, discover new markets, develop new customers, and uncover new revenue sources. Drawing from the company's experience in the industrial market and ongoing research on buyers' and sellers' needs, ThomasNet has helped thousands of clients create websites that incorporate online catalogs, CAD drawings, and e-commerce capabilities.
About Source One Management Services, LLC
For over 15 years, Source One has been providing on-demand resources to help companies realize rapid and sustainable savings in over 100 categories of procurement. Engagements may include strategic sourcing, spend analysis, spend management, identification of alternate suppliers, market and supply research, RFP management, price and terms negotiations, contract recommendations, project management and implementation. For more information, visit www.SourceOneInc.com or call 215-902-0200.
